May 31st, 2007
- View from the top room
The feeling was one of triumph. Finally, after endless driving hours and a planning stage of more than one year, our destination was within reach. With every serpentine the medieval town up on the hill came closer into sight. Our eyes where fixated on one object: the tower. A solitaire, he stood out strong and powerful. We still couldn’t quite believe we would be the residents of this unusual home exchange object for the next two weeks. Find out how we all arranged it, next.
Tags: Home Exchange, Italy, Tuscany
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May 30th, 2007
We had inspected the place from bottom to top - the children in amazement, my husband with an unusual look in his eyes. Where had his calm self gone?
Then, we put the kids to bed and were now in search of the ideal night light for them, when we noticed it. Our place got flood lighted! It made the perfect night light for the kids. Thanks to this installation, they spent a cosy first night. We were relieved, because Nora, our older daughter, has a vivid imagination and reads too many ghost stories, as it is. By now, I am sure you have a good idea in what kind of residence we are staying. Here is one more hint: there are 126 steps to reach the sky. Almost!
Tomorrow I reveal our home exchange destination and how it felt when we first discovered it.
Tags: Home Exchange, Italy, Luxury Home Exchange, Tuscany
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May 27th, 2007
Our younger daughter hates long car rides. That’s why we try not to drive more than four, five hours a day when en route. With such a strict schedule, we can’t always avoid overnight stays at hotels. Our low budget home exchange vacations allow us to splash a bit, when choosing a hotel.
Last night, we were reminded how comfortable a home exchange setting really is. Even though our hotel room was very large - imagine the scene of a young child - too excited to sleep while the other family members could barely keep their eyes open.
Ou restricted traveling schedule has its positive sides, too. During school vacations, when everybody else hits the road early to avoid traffic jams, we leave in the late afternoon with roads all cleared. This morning, after the other hotel guests had gone, we took the time to splash in the deserted pool. The girls helped a frog out off to savety.
We are at Lago di Garda in Italy, heading further South today to our final home exchange destination. Find out soon where that is.
Tags: car travel, children
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May 26th, 2007
One of the advantages of a non-simultaneous home exchange is the fact that your place needn’t be cleaned to perfection before leaving. Of course this also has a draw-back. Think of the day of your return.
We are all packed up, ready to hit the road. Do you have any idea which direction we are headed?
During our trip, we will try to answer your inquiries at the accustomed speed; however, depending on the Internet connections while traveling, our reply might be a bit slower than usual. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Tags: non-simultaneous home exchange
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May 22nd, 2007
An unexpected turn of events concerning our home exchange travel plans occurred today. I received news of a little schedule problem on the day of our arrival. The father of our host had offered the use of our home exchange object for a cultural event in town. We would still be able to use the place that day, but would have to share it with lots of other people. With much charm, the son lamented over the disorganization and apologized for the situation.
The whole scene reminded me of some of that beautiful country’s stereotypical characteristics: creative chaos. That should give you a hint where we are headed to!
The reaction of my husband? “This home exchange sounds more and more like an adventure. Let’s take part in the event!”
Which reminded me, flexibility and adaptability are key to a successful home exchange.
Tags: adaptability, flexibility, Successful Home Exchange
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